Paul Makes It Short And Sweet: The Message Condensed
IN TWO VERSES
Romans 2:28,29) For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
I received an email newsletter discussing this passage today. The sender Jewish, possibly Christian. I think he missed entirely Paul’s meaning. It is a big declaration by Paul. One that reveals the complete change Jesus brought about in Him. Before his Damascus road experience he would never have agreed to this. But here he is telling the whole Jewish nation “You are not true Jews unless…” This brief declaration reveals two important, essential, truths. They are: the end of the Jewish religious system, and the revolutionary change, the Gospel of Jesus imparts.
After referring to the Jewish practice of circumcision, Paul states a truth repeated many times through the New Testament; God has closed the Old Testament Jewish religious system down. God started it, at the right time He declared it finished. The old circumcision is obsolete Paul says. He goes further; you are not a real Jew unless you have the new circumcision. In stating this alternative Paul gives us the bottom line, most basic, must have, can’t do without, experience…
